2. How can I offset my emissions with Greenfleet?

It's very simple to offset emissions with Greenfleet.

If you are an individualclick on this link and select the source of emissions you would like to offset (car, flights, scooter, household, etc.). Once you have added all you want to offset today, simply click on "Checkout" to proceed with the payment of your contribution.

The offset donations for cars, households, scooters and motorcycles are based on the average annual emissions for the source of emissions selected. Therefore, the donation covers 12 months' worth of emissions and Greenfleet will send you a renewal reminder at the 12-month anniversary, to make sure you don't forget to renew again.

If you are an organisationyou have two options:

1. Click on this link and select the source of emissions you would like to offset (car, flights, scooter, utilities, etc.). Once you have added all you want to offset today, simply click on "Checkout" to proceed with the payment of your contribution.

Note that the offset donations for cars, households, scooters and motorcycles are based on the average annual emissions for the source of emissions selected. Therefore, the donation covers 12 months' worth of emissions and Greenfleet will send you a renewal reminder at the 12-month anniversary, to make sure you don't forget to renew again; unless otherwise agreed with our team.

2. If you would like to discuss a more complicated business offset please call our team on 1800 032 999 (toll free) or submit an online query.

3. Where does Greenfleet plant the native forests?

Greenfleet works with private landholders, local and state governments to restore our unique landscapes by revegetating cleared land with biodiverse, native forests. To date we have planted over 475 native forests in every state and territory of Australia (except Tasmania and Northern Territory) and In New Zealand. The forests are located on our own properties, private farms, National Parks, private blocks, Councils' parks and reserves, etc.

Many of our projects were established to help connect parks and reserves to create wildlife corridors and preserve biodiversity. Although mostly located in rural regions, a number of our forests are also in the fringe of urban environments providing health and recreational values to the local communities.

When a Greenfleet forest is planted on a site, the ownership of the land does not change hands, but we establish agreement with landholders to secure the forest on the land for up to 100 years, with a preference for 'forever' plantings.

4. Why does Greenfleet plant biodiverse forests?

At Greenfleet we believe in providing Australians with the most socially and environmentally responsible way to offset carbon emissions.

Greenfleet establishes self-sustaining, multi-species forests. It means that as well as planting trees native to the local area, we also plant a mix of native trees to restore the native vegetation present prior to settlement and land clearing.

Planting a biodiverse mix of native species is the only way to ensure that the resulting forest meet the highest standards of ecological sustainability.

On top of capturing carbon, this approach has a number of extra environmental benefits:

Biological diversity is improved;

Habitat for native animals is increased and migratory routes extended;

5. What happens if there is a catastrophic event?

Greenfleet plants its forests across many different locations as an intentional measure to reduce the risk of relatively localised events significantly affecting our overall carbon stocks.

However, in the event of a catastrophic fire event, if financial resources allow we will take action to accelerate the recovery of the carbon - if that is not possible, then we aim to recover any shortfall in carbon within 10 years.

It is worth noting that Greenfleet monitors the survival and growth of our forests six months after planting and then every year for five years. After that we inspect sites every five years to ensure the forests are being maintained and are on track to achieve projected carbon commitments.

7. What standards does Greenfleet meet?

Greenfleet is a Recognised Offsets Entity and has a registry account under the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI).

Greenfleet uses CFI approved methodologies to measure and verify carbon abatement from its forest projects. Not all of our forests will be CFI projects due to the methodology only allowing for planting from 2010 and we have been planting since 1997. However we use the carbon modelling tool from the methodology to measure all of our forests for consistency and to a recognised standard.

The relevant approved forestry methodologies involve the establishment and management of permanent native forests that increase removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The abatement activity includes planting seedlings or direct-seeding native species on cleared or partially cleared land.

The amount of abatement measured using a methodology is contained in an Offsets Report that is submitted to the Clean Energy Regulator for issuance of Australian Carbon Credit Units for each project.

8. How much does it cost to offset with Greenfleet?

9. Is my contribution to Greenfleet tax-deductible?

YES - if you are an individual, your Greenfleet contribution is an income tax-deductible gift or tax-deductible donation. Greenfleet is a registered environmental charity with DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status. To confirm this status please visit the Federal Government's Register of Environmental Organisations.

For businesses the situation is not as clear cut. Offset purchases for businesses and other organisations may be subject to GST, but be deductible as a business expense - please seek your own taxation advice to determine taxation status for your offsets.

10. Can I volunteer for Greenfleet?

11. Does Greenfleet work with fundraising agencies?

The Greenfleet team manages most of our fundraising activity.
Greenfleet uses online platforms to collect donations on our behalf (such as Everyday Hero); however these organisations do not undertake phone calls, face-to-face street fundraising, door knocking or other similar activities on our behalf.

12. Does Greenfleet sell trees?

No, Greenfleet is not a nursery. We plant trees to restore forests on a large scale. Greenfleet does not sell trees.

We encourage you to plant indigenous trees in your garden. Talk to your local nursery about buying locally native plants for your property.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the shortened form of two words - "biological" and "diversity." It refers to all the variety of life that can be found on Earth (plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms) as well as to the communities that they form and the habitats in which they live.

Biosequestration

Biosequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon in living organisms such as plants and algae. This occurs through the natural process of photosynthesis, explained below.

Through the process of photosynthesis, trees convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars (and fibre) for growth and release oxygen back into the atmosphere.

Carbon abatement

Carbon abatement means:

(a) the removal of one or more greenhouse gases from the atmosphere; or
(b) the avoidance of emissions of one or more greenhouse gases.

Carbon Dioxide Equivalent
(CO2-e)

Carbon dioxide equivalent or CO2-e is a term for describing different greenhouse gases in a common unit. For any quantity and type of greenhouse gas, CO2-e signifies the amount of CO2 which would have the equivalent global warming impact.

Carbon neutrality

Carbon neutrality, or having a net zero carbon footprint, refers to achieving net zero carbon emissions by balancing a measured amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset, or buying enough carbon credits to make up the difference.

Carbon neutral is a term that implies that there are no net emissions from the activity or product. Use of this term has come under increasing scrutiny by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Organisations should consider the entire life cycle of a product when making claims about carbon neutrality.

Under the Australian Consumer Law, all businesses should ensure they are not misleading their customers with any claims they make. As per the ACCC Green Marketing Guidelines, any claims made by an organisation about carbon neutrality should be factually based and not overstated.

Offsetting carbon emissions with Greenfleet alone does not make a business carbon neutral. To claim 'carbon neutrality', an independently verified audit of the organisation needs to be carried out, taking into account all sources of carbon emissions in producing and distributing products, delivering services, etc.

Carbon offsets

A carbon offset is a project or activity that reduces greenhouse gas emissions or sequesters (captures) carbon from the atmosphere.

Greenfleet offsets carbon emissions by planting native forests, which capture carbon dioxide from the environment as they grow.

Carbon rights

A carbon right, or Carbon Abatement Interest, is a type of land interest that confers the right or ownership associated with the carbon on a piece of land to another.

For every new reforestation project, Greenfleet enters into an agreement with the landholder which is registered on title (like a covenant) to protect the forest. This assigns the carbon of the forest to Greenfleet.

Carbon sequestration

Carbon sequestration is the general term used for the capture and long-term storage of carbon dioxide.

Climate change

Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF)

The Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) is a Government-led voluntary scheme that aims to provide incentives for a range of organisations and individuals to adopt new practices and technologies to reduce their emissions. It is enacted through the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011, the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Regulations 2011 and the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Rule 2015.

A number of activities are eligible under the scheme and participants can earn Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs) for emissions reductions.

One ACCU is earned for each tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2-e) stored or avoided by a project. ACCUs can be sold either to the government through a carbon abatement contract, or in the secondary market.

Greenhouse Gas (GhG)

A greenhouse gas is any gaseous compound in the atmosphere that is capable of absorbing infrared radiation, thereby trapping and holding heat in the atmosphere. By increasing the heat in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases are responsible for the greenhouse effect, which ultimately leads to global warming.

Greenfleet Trust is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and eligible tax-deductible donations have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Tax Office.